Chinese Mauser

[I.H.1989]

I figured that this would be a good place to get a second opinion. I have been doing some searching for a Chinese Mauser to add to my WWII collection. I have managed to find one that a man is will to sell for $185 (and that covers shipping)

He sent me some pictures and told me that it was in "good" condition with good color hardwood stock that had a small crack and chip near the forward barrel band.

The arsenal marking has been filed off, though i have read somewhere that the PRC did that to captured rifles, and he has told me that it still fires well.

What I am asking is if this is something that I should go for, or is it something that i should stay away from.

Information

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[Bruce McAskill]

I think most people feel that these are best hanging on a wall and not being shot. If it had been one of the German made rifles shipped to China over the years then it would be fine but I think Steve is right about them.

[Anzac15]

I have had several Type 24s that were actually in pretty good shape, and actually very good shooters. This one shows the crest of the Hanyang arsenal..the ground off portion would have shown a 'reverse' swastika, and I'm wondering if it was removed by someone thinking it had a relation to Nazi Germany (which it did not in any way )

[I.H.1989]

Thanks for all of the info. I am asking the man if he know if it is a bring back, and why the arsenal marking are filed off. Just curious though, but is the price good for the rifle, or should i wait and see if i can find a better one in the future?

[Calif-Steve]

Most have rough bores. But if the bore is OK, just check the headspace. If it is good, then fire away. They were well made of decent steel.

[Aragorn243]

If the bore is good, that's a good price. Chinese rifles in shooting condition aren't all that common so waiting for a better one might be a long while. I've been looking for one for three years. I should hit the auction sites I suppose, having no luck finding one at shows.